Nestled on the back streets of a slightly sunny Shoreditch, we’re having breakfast with Tom Grennan. “I haven’t seen my mum in time” the singer tells us over a juice, and it’s no surprise – this past year has been a whirlwind. After lending his distinctive vocals to Chase & Status (and more recently Bugzy Malone) he’s now gearing up to release his debut album [Lightning Matches, available to pre-order now] after a largely sold-out UK tour. Tom’s outstanding vocal ability to stop you dead in your tracks also saw the musician nominated for the prestigious BBC Sound of 2017 at the beginning of the year, the latest benchmark in a career which shows no sign of slowing. Naturally, we had to sit down with the rising star to find out more…

The new EP is out soon, what’s your favourite song from it?

Probably ‘Found What I’ve Been Looking For’. The EP only has four tracks on it, I love ‘First Day Of The Sun’ as well though, that one’s wicked.

You’re on tour in September?

Yeah I’m buzzing to play KOKO, I’m buzzing to play Birmingham and Manchester too. I’m just buzzing for the whole tour really, it’s going to be sick!

What’s the best bit of advice Chase & Status have given you?

Probably to keep being me and keep believing in what I’m putting out, because if I believe in it then other people hopefully will. Just keep it real really.

What are you getting up to in your spare time… or, is it just music, music, music at the moment?

At the moment everything is about this, the EP really. I play football but at the moment I haven’t got the time. I sometimes get in a couple of runs here and there but apart from that I haven’t got much time on my hands.